921.41 ESTIMATED BILLS.
   When the meter reader is unable to obtain a reading from an inside meter setting for any reason or if an existing remote recorder has malfunctioned the Utility Clerk shall estimate usage based upon prior usages and issue a utility bill based on that estimated usage.
   (a)   When a meter reading shall be estimated for two or more billing periods the difference between the estimated usage and the actual usage as certified by a meter reading may be significant; therefore, the property owner, his agent or tenant is encouraged to provide access to the meter reader or to request the installation of a remote recorder meter. In any event, the property owner shall be responsible to pay the utility bill regardless of the impact exerted by the estimation of usage bill on subsequent utility bills.
   (b)   When a meter reader is unable to obtain a meter reading from an inside meter setting after two consecutive meter reading periods or if the remote recorder has malfunctioned and access cannot be gained for repair of the recorder for a similar time period, the Director of the Water Department shall certify in writing to the affected property owner the necessity of providing access to the meter for reading and/or repair. If the property owner ignores the notice requesting access to the water meter the Director may authorize the disconnection of water service following a seven day period after the issuance of the certified letter to the property owner. Water service shall not be reconnected until the Water Department personnel have been granted access to the water meter for reading and/or repair and until the payment of a reconnection fee has been received by the Utility Office.
      (Ord. 91-1404. Passed 11-5-91.)
   (c)   When meters fail to register properly an estimated bill for water and/or wastewater services shall be issued based upon previous usage.
      (Ord. 92-1454. Passed 8-4-92.)